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Ben Shelton was one of the most important surprises of the 2024 men's tennis season. Coming from the NCAA and entering professional tennis, the US was perhaps the most positive man for the country than him. The young American tennis player first reached the quarterfinals at the 2023 Australian Open against all odds, surrendering to countryman Tommy Paul.
As is normal, Shelton encountered his first problems on the Tour and lost some of the energy he released at the beginning of the season. But he wasn't just a meteor. In the United States, the 21-year-old regained his confidence and reached the semifinals at the US Open.
Finally, the first ATP title arrived in Tokyo. Results and numbers that have created high expectations in view of 2024. Shelton will play the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane and will immediately be called to a rather tough challenge with Roman Safiullin.
Ben Shelton: "I don't want to reveal my goals"
"I definitely have to improve a lot compared to last year, I hope to have learned a lot and to do better in 2024. I talked about objectives and results with my team. I'd rather they stay between me and my team.
I think that for the media a tennis player's goals can be too high or too superficial. These goals are for me and my team. We'll see how things go," explained the American at the press conference.
"I have many good memories linked to Australia.
I have never been to Brisbane, I would say it is much warmer here. I love the Australian fans and the atmosphere at the tournaments is fantastic. I feel calmer and more prepared, I know how things work now. I'm really excited for the new season to start.
It was nice to come home and work on some aspects of my game. I just want to focus on work, we'll see where it finds me in November," he told. The American tennis player, born in 2002, after some promising years spent between college and the American circuit, amazed everyone by winning his first title at the ATP 500 in Tokyo, also reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and even reaching the semi-finals in his home slam , beaten by Novak Djokovic.
The young 21-year-old also stood out off the pitch, with an eccentric and flashy style, inspired by his idol Roger Federer.